Tipranavir
Tipranavir is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor used in combination with ritonavir and other antiretrovirals to treat HIV infection. It is specifically indicated for treatment-experienced patients with multi-drug resistant HIV who have not responded to other antiretroviral regimens. By inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, tipranavir prevents viral replication and reduces viral load.
Tipranavir is a protease inhibitor antiretroviral used to treat multi-drug resistant HIV in treatment-experienced patients, always co-administered with ritonavir.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AE09
- RxNorm
- 190548
- Generic
- Tipranavir
- Class
- atc-j05a
- Brands
- Aptivus
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with ritonavir and other antiretrovirals. Primarily prescribed for treatment-experienced adult patients with evidence of viral replication who have failed prior antiretroviral therapy. Not recommended for initial therapy in treatment-naive patients.
Tipranavir inhibits HIV-1 protease, an enzyme essential for viral replication. By blocking this enzyme, it prevents the cleavage of viral polyproteins into functional proteins, resulting in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles. Always administered with low-dose ritonavir, which acts as a pharmacokinetic booster by inhibiting CYP3A4 metabolism of tipranavir.
Requires co-administration with ritonavir (500mg/200mg twice daily). Associated with hepatotoxicity—monitor liver function tests regularly. Carries a boxed warning for intracranial hemorrhage, particularly in patients with trauma, recent surgery, or coagulopathies. May cause severe skin reactions and has numerous drug interactions due to CYP3A4 induction/inhibition. High pill burden and frequent dosing may affect adherence. Resistance development is common; susceptibility testing recommended before use.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy